Julia Gillard to speak at Woodford festival

FOR the first time in the Woodford Folk Festival's 27-year history, a sitting prime minister will take the stage.

Former prime minister Bob Hawke told Fairfax Media that he would be participating in a discussion with Ms Gillard on Sunday, taking questions from festival director and Woodford identity Bill Hauritz.

"I certainly suggested to Julia that it would make a lot of sense for her to come," Mr Hawke said, adding that it "said a lot about Woodford" that Ms Gillard had treated the invitation seriously.

"It's a very good gathering of people, they have different political views. I think there will be a lot of people of the green persuasion but all shades of political opinion are present, but they are very tolerant. They like to listen and learn."

Mr Hawke has already given a talk at the festival, as has high profile federal opposition member Malcolm Turnbull.